Chapter 9 Good, Bad, & Ugly
GOOD, BAD, some shit he didn’t even recognize he did.
“Because she’s wrong as hell, and I want to fight her,” Maisie expressed, keeping a smile on her face but daggers in her eyes for Giselle.
“You said a bad word. You put one dollar in the swear jar,” Harlee chastised.
“Come on in. You gon’ make some money around here if that’s the case.” Maisie ushered the twins inside, and Giselle practically tiptoed in behind her.
Nothing had changed in Remi’s house. The same folded quilt was draped over the back of the couch, the same framed photos lined the mantel, including one of Giselle with her parents when she was about thirteen.
The sight nearly undid her as she set her bag on the matching powder blue and white plaid chair facing the sofa and coffee table.
“Well, at least you still know the way,” Remi’s warm, buttery voice said from the doorway.
She dried her hands on a dish towel before tossing it over her shoulder. Heir and Harlee had taken a seat on the edge of the couch, taking in the old school living room. The two of them were accustomed to a certain way of living, but Remi’s house gave rustic, country vibes.
“Look.” Maisie waved to the twins. “How perfect are they?”
“I wouldn’t go there.” Giselle cackled and sighed.
“I should whup your ass right now.” Remi’s tone was low, filled with hurt and anger. “You had these babies and kept them from us? Why, Giselle? You wanted to punish the rest of us that bad? Your father would…” Remi’s voice cracked.
While she was a vibrant and emotional woman, she didn’t do all that crying shit. She always felt it was a waste of time unless you did it in private. She collected herself, lifting her eyes to the ceiling and taking in a breath.